Early in his career, my husband worked as an assistant to a powder monkey on a road construction crew. He helped wire fuses to dynamite charges, clearing away rock, land masses, and other obstructions to make way for new roadways.
Wiring too many charges at once meant risking not all dynamite would explode, leaving live powder without a trigger—an extremely dangerous scenario. When it was safe, my husband walked into the designated area and set the next round of explosives. Once ready, he’d yell “Fire in the hole!” and everyone on the crew would stand back while the powder monkey set off the blast.
During one such exercise, my husband stood on the road observing the explosion for flying debris. “Incoming!” alerted the waiting crew to take cover. My husband never let his attention stray as he watched one massive rock launch in an arc above him, with a second close behind. He calculated the arrival and landing point of the airborne objects. The first soared over his head, but the second aimed right for him. My husband waited for its arrival and sidestepped as it flew on by.
In life we are bombarded by all kinds of events that threaten to make us miserable, depressed, uncertain, and fearful. Any number of crises can stop us, make us give up, and keep us from moving forward and living the life God intended we live. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, all the morass of life can be sidestepped and we can move forward in God’s timetable.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) says: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Psalm 16:8 (NIV) says, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
If life and its challenges are bogging you down, keep your eyes on the cross, a physical reminder God is in control. When he shouts, “Fire in the Hole!” you will be protected, for he stands watching out for you.